Newser Story Index from January, 2009
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Gillibrand Named to Senate
Times Union (Albany)
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Jan 23, 2009 12:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
David Paterson named Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand as Hillary Clinton’s replacement today, vaulting the little-known Democrat onto the national stage and into a post once thought reserved for Caroline Kennedy, the Times Union reports. “I believe I have found the best candidate,” said Paterson, insisting that the Albany-area congresswoman's...
'Sneaky' Loophole Boosts Execs' Pensions
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2009 11:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
A change in federal disclosure requirements has revealed that some companies are inflating the value of retirement plans for—guess who?—top executives. By converting pensions, which generally pay out in installments over a retired employee’s lifetime, to a lump-sum payment, CEOs can increase the value by 10% to 40%, netting millions...
Obama's Gitmo Order Isn't What It Seems
Politico
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Jan 23, 2009 11:36 AM CST
(Newser) -
With a stroke of the pen, President Obama rewrote American detention and interrogation policy yesterday. Or not, writes Josh Gerstein for Politico. He offers reasons not to overstate Obama’s policy changes: "Everyone has to follow the Army Field Manual—for now… ": Obama is convening a group to study writing additional...
No Silver Bullet for Crises Like These: Pearlstein
Washington Post
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Jan 23, 2009 11:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
With various factions blaming a single factor—and pushing a single solution—for the financial crisis, Steven Pearlstein of the Washington Post cautions that there won’t be a silver bullet. Reducing foreclosures, removing toxic assets, and nationalizing banks will all come into play; meantime, we must “resist the fetching...
Grammys Should Turn Up the Volume
Huffington Post
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Jan 23, 2009 11:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
Academy Award nominations are all over the news, but people seem to have forgotten about the Grammys. “I didn't even know the Grammys still existed,” writes Dan Abramson on the Huffington Post, but “not only do the Grammy Awards still exist, they might even be coming up.” He can name the date, host, and nominees for the Oscars,...
Aging Boomers Want Hipper Label Than 'Grandpa'
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2009 11:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
As baby boomers become grandparents, the generation that never wanted to get old is grappling with maturity. Many new grandparents are dodging the bullets of age by avoiding typical “Grandma,” “Grandpa,” and “Bubbe” labels, the Wall Street Journal reports. Preferring to retain her glamour, one 56-year-old wants...
Downey: Googling Myself 'A Hoot'
Perez Hilton
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Jan 23, 2009 10:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
Celebrities really are just like us: They Google themselves, too, reports Perez Hilton. At an Oscars celebrity panel this week, Robert Downey Jr. admitted it: “I love all that shit, personally. Because it’s a hoot.” Anne Hathaway then reversed course: “I lied before when you asked if I Googled myself. I do.” Not so Brad...
Gillibrand Too Gun-Happy for NY, Rival Says
Newsday
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Jan 23, 2009 10:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Citing her support of guns, Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy is threatening a 2010 primary challenge to reported Senate appointee Kirsten Gillibrand, Newsday reports. McCarthy, a gun-control advocate, lost her husband in a 1993 shooting spree. “I’m not going to let New York state get represented by someone who gets a 100% rating from...
Inkheart Better on the Page
Rotten Tomatoes
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Jan 23, 2009 10:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
When it comes to the kids-lit adaptation Inkheart , fans are probably better off sticking to the book, say critics. Brendan Fraser stars as a father with the power to bring characters off the page to life, but the special-effects-driven movie fails to capture the "dark whimsy" of the best-selling original, Sheri Linden writes in the...
Caylee Anthony Grandpa Ponders Suicide
MSNBC
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Jan 23, 2009 10:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
The grandfather of slain toddler Caylee Anthony was involuntarily hospitalized today after he was found in a search triggered by suicidal text messages to his family, MSNBC reports. George Anthony disappeared last night after sending text messages to his family indicating that he “wanted to end his life,” according to Florida authorities....
Streaker Stalls Williams Sisters' Match
Reuters
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Jan 23, 2009 10:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
A male streaker burst onto the court for 14 seconds as Venus and Serena Williams played a doubles match today at the Australian Open, Reuters reports. Guards caught the man when he dashed to another court; he was barred from the rest of the tournament. Earlier, an ethnic brawl broke out among Serbian and Bosnian fans, who were punted from the grounds....
Commode for 35K? Ousted CEO Thain Had Lavish Taste
Bloomberg
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Jan 23, 2009 10:14 AM CST
(Newser) -
Recently-axed Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain may have steered his company to a $15.4 billion fourth-quarter loss, but he did so from a really nice office. Details are emerging about Thain's $1.2 million redecoration, Bloomberg reports. Among the purchases noted by CNBC: $87,000 for area rugs, $68,000 for a 19th-century credenza, $35,000 for a "commode...
Swayze, Wife Penning Memoirs
E! Online
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Jan 23, 2009 10:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
Just one week since being released from the hospital after a bout with pneumonia, Patrick Swayze has announced he's writing a book, E! reports. The actor will collaborate on his memoirs with his wife of 33 years, Lisa. Even before his battle with pancreatic cancer, Swayze’s life was book-worthy, from his rise to heartthrob fame to his substance...
Gaza Conflict Triggers Talk of War Crimes
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 23, 2009 9:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
Now that its 22-day offensive in Gaza has ended, Israel is facing a new battle—over the legality and morality of its military action. Several human rights groups, in Israel and elsewhere, have accused the army of committing war crimes in Gaza's cities and denying medical care and refuge to civilians. But PM Ehud Olmert said his government...
Blagojevich: Arrest Was My Family's Pearl Harbor
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2009 9:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
Say this for Rod Blagojevich: He doesn’t embarrass easily. In an interview yesterday with the AP, he compared his arrest to Pearl Harbor: “Dec. 9 to my family, to us, to me, is what Pearl Harbor Day was to the United States. It was a complete surprise, completely unexpected. And just like the United States prevailed in that, we’ll...
Journos Already Chafed Over WH Access
Politico
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Jan 23, 2009 9:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
Day 4, and already the White House and the press are squabbling? Press Secretary Robert Gibbs’ maiden briefing included outbursts from reporters angry over what they saw as opaque behavior, Politico reports. The top complaint: Only four reporters, and no non-White House cameras, were allowed at President Obama’s retaking of the oath. Said...
Maverick McCain Back in Action
Washington Post
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Jan 23, 2009 9:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Too bad John McCain couldn’t get this story written before the election: the New York Times reports that, back in the Senate, McCain is reverting from his dour, orthodox campaign persona to his maverick and frequently bipartisan ways. He’s been hanging out with President Obama, and he told off Republicans trying to delay Hillary Clinton’s...
Feds Raid Contractors With Ties to Murtha
Politico
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Jan 23, 2009 9:16 AM CST
(Newser) -
Federal agents yesterday raided the offices and homes of two Pennsylvania defense contractors with strong ties to powerful Congressman John Murtha, Politico reports. The lawmaker has steered more than $100 million in federal contracts to the companies, and their employees have given more than $65,000 in contributions to Murtha. A US attorney...
Krauthammer: Obama Doesn't Need Your Adulation
Washington Post
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Jan 23, 2009 8:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama’s inaugural address was a demonstration of his most striking quality: His utter lack of neediness. The speech so abandoned his trademark soaring rhetoric, so failed to excite or inspire, that it had to be a deliberate strategy, writes Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post. “He’s Bill Clinton, master politician,...
Dow Dives Below 8,000
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2009 8:47 AM CST
(Newser) -
Stocks took a dive at the open, following big losses in Europe and more lousy earnings reports, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Dow tumbled 210 points to below 8,000, while the Nasdaq and S&P dove 2.1% and 2.6% respectively. Financials came under renewed pressure, with Capital One plunging 21% after announcing that it expects the economy,...
Sweden's Advice on US Banks: Be Wise, Nationalize
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2009 8:38 AM CST
(Newser) -
One option to save US banks: follow Sweden’s lead and nationalize them. Sweden’s banks were essentially bankrupt in the early 1990s, but a center-right government took them over, and taxpayers ultimately reaped the benefits, the New York Times reports. Troubled assets were isolated into a single “bad bank,” to be sold when...
Everyone Wants Aretha's Hat
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2009 8:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat has been mercilessly mocked by some, but lots of people want one of their very own. The Detroit millinery where Franklin has been a customer for 20 years has been flooded with calls for orders, the AP reports. But Aretha wannabes soon learn that the hand-molded $500 hat isn't for sale—it was custom-designed...
Not Everyone 'Fawning' Over Prez Obama
Huffington Post
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Jan 23, 2009 8:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
You might be euphoric after Barack Obama’s inauguration, but “not everyone feels the ‘Obama high,’” writes Lloyd Garver on the Huffington Post. These “Democrat-haters” who “enjoy puncturing balloons of hope” probably viewed Inauguration Day through slightly less rose-colored glasses than you did:...
'Tunnel People' Get Probe of Inaugural Ticket Mess
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 23, 2009 8:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
As President Obama’s inauguration approached, thousands of would-be spectators got stuck in an immobile line that stretched into a tunnel beneath the National Mall. And there they waited, for hours, missing the ceremony despite their tickets. With their plight getting more publicity—yep, there's now a Facebook group—Sen. Dianne Feinstein...
Ethnic Violence Erupts at Aussie Open
Telegraph (UK)
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Jan 23, 2009 8:01 AM CST
(Newser) -
Violence broke out again at the Australian Open today, as Serbian and Bosnian spectators threw punches, then chairs, at each other in Melbourne Park's garden square. The incident took place as Novak Djokovic, the Serbian defending champion, played his third-round match against Amer Delic, a Bosnian-born American. One woman was knocked out, and police...
For Afghanistan, Obama Looks Beyond Karzai
Independent (UK)
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Jan 23, 2009 7:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
Four key rivals of Hamid Karzai have arrived in Washington for meetings with the Obama administration, as speculation grows that the Afghan president may lose the backing of the United States. Once seen as America's best hope in Afghanistan, Karzai has seen his standing deteriorate as widespread corruption and worsening violence leave him weakened....
Post-Stroke Kim Jong-il Meets Chinese Official
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2009 7:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kim Jong-il, the North Korean supreme leader, met a senior official from China's Communist Party today—in his first known meeting with a foreigner since suffering a stroke in August. The meeting was seen as an attempt to show that Kim remains in charge of North Korea, which has strongly denied rumors that he was ill. State media released photographs...
Freed Detainee Becomes Al-Qaeda Chief
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2009 7:36 AM CST
(Newser) -
As Barack Obama prepares to close Guantanamo Bay, the story of Said Ali al-Shihri provides a cautionary tale. Released from the prison camp in 2007, the Saudi has become the deputy leader of al-Qaeda’s Yemeni branch and is suspected of involvement in the bombing of the US embassy there in September, the New York Times reports.
Nashville Rejects English-Only Law
Tennessean
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Jan 23, 2009 7:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Nashville voters last night defeated an attempt to make English the city's official language, the Tennessean reports. The measure, which would have forced the city council to conduct public business only in English, would have made Nashville the nation's largest city to do so. The referendum failed by a vote of 41,752 to 32,144.
Castro Hints at His Own Failing Health
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2009 7:12 AM CST
(Newser) -
Fidel Castro hinted in a new column that his health is failing, the AP reports. The 82-year-old former Cuban leader wrote yesterday in his online column that Cuban officials "shouldn't feel bound by my occasional reflections, my state of health or my death." He also had warm words for President Obama, noting that his “intelligent and...
3 Dead in Belgian Nursery School Attack
BBC
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Jan 23, 2009 6:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
An unknown man wielding a knife at a Belgian nursery school killed at least 2 children and one adult today, the BBC reports. A dozen or more were said to be injured in the attack northwest of Brussels. The attacker, wearing black-and-white face paint, fled by bicycle, says the Times of London. The children have been evacuated and police have arrived;...
Mexicans Eye Death Penalty to Stem Drug Murders
BBC
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Jan 23, 2009 6:26 AM CST
(Newser) -
Mexican lawmakers are considering bringing back the death penalty in the wake of an overwhelming tide of murders and kidnappings linked to drug cartels, reports the BBC. The Green Party, usually a staunch foe of capital punishment, is leading the campaign to reinstate it. Surveys show 70% of Mexicans want murderers executed.
Pfizer in Talks to Buy Wyeth
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2009 5:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pfizer is seeking to create a Big Pharma behemoth with the acquisition of rival Wyeth, insiders tell the Wall Street Journal . The deal, expected to be worth around $60 billion, would make Pfizer—already the world's biggest drug company—big enough to redraw the map of the industry, although sources say the state of the economy means the...
Rwanda Nabs Congo Rebel Leader
Times (UK)
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Jan 23, 2009 5:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Fearsome rebel leader Laurent Nkunda, the head of a movement that has destabilized the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been arrested over the border in Rwanda. Hundreds of Rwandan troops converged on a mountain village last night inside Congo where the general was stationed, but he crossed the border into Rwanda before he was arrested. The bust is...
Yo-Yo Ma 'Finger-Synched' Inauguration Gig
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2009 5:05 AM CST
(Newser) -
The somber classical sounds that filled the Washington Mall ahead of Barack Obama's swearing-in came from a tape, reports the New York Times . When Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and the rest of the quartet realized that the freezing weather and strong winds would likely wreak havoc with their instruments they decided to play along to a recording they had...
Family Thrilled by Heath Oscar Nod
Sydney Morning Herald
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Jan 23, 2009 4:36 AM CST
(Newser) -
Heath Ledger's three sisters are still struggling with the loss of their brother, but they are grateful for the legacy he left behind, they tell the Sydney Morning Herald . His death a year ago "seems like nearly yesterday, and we are all nursing broken hearts," said sis Kate, speaking on the same beach where Ledger's wake was held. But...
Pope to Reinstate Bishop Who Denies Holocaust
Times (UK)
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Jan 23, 2009 4:08 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI is planning to welcome four rebel bishops excommunicated by his predecessor back to the Catholic Church, reports the Times of London. The ultra-conservative bishops reject the liberal reforms of the Second Vatican Council. One of them, Richard Williamson, openly endorses the anti-semitic tract Protocols of the Elders of Zion...
Gillibrand Picked as NY Senator
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2009 3:34 AM CST
(Newser) -
Albany-area Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be Hillary Clinton's replacement in the Senate, reports the New York Times . An aide to the Democrat confirmed that she has accepted the appointment and Gov. David Paterson is expected to make the announcement at noon today. Paterson made his choice before dawn after lengthy talks, a source told the Times...
FDA OKs Pioneering Stem Cell Trial
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2009 3:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
The FDA has approved the world's first-ever human trial of a medical treatment using embryonic stem cells, the New York Times reports. The move is being hailed as a watershed moment for medical research. Biotech company Geron plans to inject the cells—which can turn into any type of cell in the body—into people with new, severe spinal...
GOP Balks at Stimulus Plan
Washington Post
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Jan 23, 2009 2:38 AM CST
(Newser) -
The $825 billion stimulus plan before Congress has hit a wall of Republican objections despite the president's call for bipartisan unity, reports the Washington Post . GOP lawmakers charge that Democrats have shut them out of the decision-making process and that the plan pours cash into Democratic agenda items like arts funding, but will do little...
Court Clears Way for GOP Lawsuit in Minn. Recount
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Jan 23, 2009 2:14 AM CST
(Newser) -
A panel of Minnesota judges has rejected Al Franken's request to dismiss Norm Coleman's lawsuit challenging the recount in the state's Senate race, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune . A trial that may last for weeks is set to start Monday to weigh Coleman's claims of widespread irregularities in the recount that gave his opponent a squeaker-thin...
Meat Warning Wurst News for Germans
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 23, 2009 1:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Bratwurst-loving Germans have been told they must eat less meat for the health of the planet, reports the Guardian . The government's adviser on the environment is urging Germans to return to habits decades ago when meat was eaten only on Sundays and special occasions. Germans now eat far more meat than their European neighbors, obtaining 39% of their...
As Temperatures Rise, West's Trees Dying Faster
Time
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Jan 22, 2009 10:04 PM CST
(Newser) -
America’s trees are dying at an alarming rate in the nation's western forests, a new study says. Death rates have more than doubled over the last two to three decades, Time reports, even in seemingly healthy locales. All types and sizes of trees, and at all elevations, have been affected. The likely culprit: longer, hotter summers and scarce...
Gillibrand New Favorite for Clinton Seat
Times Union (Albany)
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Jan 22, 2009 8:44 PM CST
(Newser) -
Gov. Paterson says he'll name Hillary Clinton's replacement for the Senate tomorrow, and strong signs point to Albany-area Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, the Times Union reports. Given the recent carnival regarding the seat, it's probably best to hold off wagering, but two confidential sources say the Democrat will be named, and WPIX-TV reports the same.
Obama's First Law Will Fight Wage Discrimination
Associated Press
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Jan 22, 2009 8:15 PM CST
(AP) -
A wage-discrimination bill that heralds the pro-labor policies of the Democratic-controlled Congress and White House cleared the Senate on a 61-36 vote today and could be on President Obama's desk within days. The legislation reverses a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that narrowly defines when workers can claim wage discrimination, even if they are unaware...
Family Buying Cubs for $900M
Chicago Tribune
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Jan 22, 2009 7:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
It looks like the Cubs are returning to family ownership, the Chicago Tribune reports. The billionaire Ricketts family is the winning bidder to buy the baseball team from Sam Zell's Tribune Co. The $900 million deal isn't sealed yet—other baseball owners must approve, for one thing—but it's expected to be complete before spring training...
Geithner: China 'Manipulating' Its Currency
New York Times
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Jan 22, 2009 7:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Tim Geithner today accused China of "manipulating" its currency, a volatile charge in the diplomatic world that is certain to anger Beijing and possibly prompt it to sell some of its massive reserves of US dollars, the New York Times reports. The Treasury nominee made the accusation in a written response to senators, though it's unclear...
Anti-Abortion Ad Borrows Obama's Life Story
Washington Post
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Jan 22, 2009 6:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama may support a woman's right to choose, but a new anti-abortion ad uses his own life story to argue against it, writes David Waters in his "On Faith" blog for the Washington Post . The spot shows a fetus in a womb as words appear on the screen: "This child's future is a broken home. He will be abandoned by his father. ......
Dieting? Skip the Pricey Pills
Reuters
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Jan 22, 2009 6:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Now that Americans have had access to the first over-the-counter weight-loss drug for 18 months, we've become a lean, mean nation, right? Not so much, writes Debra Sherman for Reuters. It's true that Alli—$60 for a 30-day supply—gives users slightly better results, but they're probably not worth the cost and unfortunate gastro-intestinal...
HS Coach Charged in Player's Heat Death
Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.)
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Jan 22, 2009 5:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
A high school football coach in Kentucky has been charged with reckless homicide after one of his players collapsed during practice on a sweltering day and later died, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports. The coach faces five years in prison if convicted. He and his assistants reportedly denied players water and ran them hard on a 94-degree August...
